Three Swahili Women: Life Histories from Mombasa, Kenya [Paperback]

Sarah Mirza (Editor), Margaret Strobel (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 22, 1989

"This is altogether a most worthwhile book, a fine example of a growing genre of African literature... " —Choice

"Mirza and Strobel let these women speak about their lives in their own words, and the results are wonderful.... This is an excellent book with which to introduce students both to Africa and to life histories... " —American Historical Review

This exploration of the lives of three Mombasa women reveals the complexity of Swahili society—its ethnic diversity, the impact of slavery, and the varied reactions to colonialism and Western culture. They illustrate the rich interactions within the women's community, focused on family and festive or ritual occasions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is altogether a most worthwhile book, a fine example of a growing genre of African literature ..." Choice "Mirza and Strobel let these women speak about their lives in their own words, and the results are wonderful... This is an excellent book with which to introduce students both to Africa and to life histories ..." American Historical Review

Language Notes

Text: English, Swahili (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press; Highlighting and Underlining edition (May 22, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253288541
• ISBN-13: 978-0253288547
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > History > Africa > African Studies
  • #59 in Books > History > Africa > Kenya

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SLOW AND CONFUSING IN PARTS, BUT OK OVERALL., June 19, 2006

By 

Steven Hancock (Winston Salem, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Swahili Women: Life Histories from Mombasa, Kenya (Paperback)

"Three Swahili Women" is a book I read for a class I was taking on Islam and Popular Culture in Africa. Edited and translated by Sarah Mirza and Margeret Strobel, the book is the life story as told by three women who lived along the Swahili coast of Africa. The first two life-stories are by Kaje wa Mwenye Matano and Mishi wa Abdala. Sadly, these two stories are confusing, plodding, and rather dull in parts. They seem less like stories, and more like rambling. However, the fault is neither the translators or the two women themselves. Neither women had proper education, and so they were talking in the traditional dialect of their people. Even when translated, it can be a difficult interview to read.
The third story is by Shamsha Muhamad Muhashamy, and this is the best one of the bunch. Her story is fascinating, and less confusing, as she had a proper education. Her account makes reading through the first two stories worth the wait.
Overall, the book is an OK look into the life of three Muslim women along the Swahili Coast of Africa. It may not fascinate some, and others will probably have to read it twice. But if you're interested in the people of Africa, then this may be the best place for you to start.
Grade: B-